Headlight Switch Replacement
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Headlight Switch Replacement
Has anyone replaced the headlight switch on the C3. I have no problem pulling the speedo/tach dash panel but do not really see what holds the actual switch to the panel along how to remove the light switch pullout ****. Like some advice before I pull my usual and turn a easy job into a royal PITA 3 day project. Thanks for the advice.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
Re: Headlight Switch Replacement (bigvette1)
This is not one of the more "fun " jobs. You don't have to pull the panel but it sure does help, at the very least you will need to unscrew it and pull it forward. Getting ez access to the switch is the hardest part. You will need to pull out the **** first, to remove it, there is a small button that is located on the switch body that needs to be pushed in. The button has a spring on it and it is located on the left side at about 11:00. It may or not be ez to remove the **** I had to use a little elbow grease to get it out. After the **** is out, unscrew the bezel, there is also a support member that attaches the switch to the inside of the dash pad. Once that is done just pull the switch out and replace. There are two vacuum hoses attached to the switch be careful not to reverse the hoses when you put them on the new switch. To put it back in just reverse the order that you took to take it apart. The **** will should slid into place without too much effort.
Good luck
Good luck
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Gulph MIlls PA
Re: Headlight Switch Replacement (bigvette1)
I have to do the same damn thing on my 71'. I replaed this switch with a new one form Ecklers a month ago. The new switch is bad and has a shorting problem, but ONLY when the hi-beams are on.
If you were in PA, we could get together and have a headlight switch replacement party. My tach started whining and went crazy recently and the needle broke in half and flew off inside the unit. I disconnected the tach from the distributor to avoid further damage.
At least when I take the dash down I get to solve 2 problems with the same labor. I'm getting sick thinking about the fun :U . May wait until winter to do this, as it won't be so painful then and I won't be in a hurry to get the car back on the road.
The insidious thiing about these projects is that I should probably replace the carpet and insulate the firewall and the floor, WHILE I'M AT IT!!!
The fun never ends
Good luck! :D :D
If you were in PA, we could get together and have a headlight switch replacement party. My tach started whining and went crazy recently and the needle broke in half and flew off inside the unit. I disconnected the tach from the distributor to avoid further damage.
At least when I take the dash down I get to solve 2 problems with the same labor. I'm getting sick thinking about the fun :U . May wait until winter to do this, as it won't be so painful then and I won't be in a hurry to get the car back on the road.
The insidious thiing about these projects is that I should probably replace the carpet and insulate the firewall and the floor, WHILE I'M AT IT!!!
The fun never ends
Good luck! :D :D
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Headlight Switch Replacement (bigvette1)
OH BTW, on those headlight switches, buy a standard switch from a supply house for any GM early 70's car....gring off the standard square ceramic to roung it off to fit in the vette location...no real problem....and loosen the clips to install the old vacuum switch on the new main switch assy...easy done conversion....saved me a bundle....not to mention time....
GENE
GENE
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 963
Likes: 0
From: melbourne,Australia
Re: Headlight Switch Replacement (bigvette1)
I found the easiest way to do this in my 74R was to remove the drivers seat.....it is much easier to access then,also be careful that you dont accidently pull off the connect to the dip switch...if you are changing the headlight aswitch it makes sense to change the dip switch at the same time...john :chevy
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 667
Likes: 3
From: College Station TX
Re: Headlight Switch Replacement (bigvette1)
You DO NOT need to pull the seat, or the dash to replace the headlight switch. If you remove the top dash pad, the switch is right there - easy to reach and replace.
To remove the dash pad, remove the six screws that attach the lower dash pads to the upper dashpad, remove the passenger side lower pad ( much easier than drivers side ). This gives you access to the single under dash screw that holds the dash pad in place. Once removed, theupper dash pad should slide back and up and out. The switch should then be easily replaced.
To remove the dash pad, remove the six screws that attach the lower dash pads to the upper dashpad, remove the passenger side lower pad ( much easier than drivers side ). This gives you access to the single under dash screw that holds the dash pad in place. Once removed, theupper dash pad should slide back and up and out. The switch should then be easily replaced.
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